North Korea to launch another rocket, does China support this?

A common tactic used to increasing bargaining power in possible talks. A show of power. The US is doing is the same thing by layering on the sanctions on Iran, ahead of upcoming talks.

This means talks are coming soon, within a few months I'd say.

RiseToTheTop wrote: »

The North Koreans are going to launch another illegal rocket, appearently to get a satellite up. The last rocket they launched in 2009 went over Japan.

They say they want to launch a satellite to commemorate the centenary of Kim Il-Sung's birth. Understandable enough, although they could certainly put the money to better use. :rolleyes:

EVERY satellite launch vehicle that blasts off from Korea will have to go over Japan. That's down to the geography of the region and the way the Earth rotates. South Korea likewise plans to launch satellites, but has failed so far. Their rockets will have to pass over Japan as well. Let's see if the Japanese even-handedly protest about that, too.:)

RiseToTheTop wrote: »

Does China support this behaviour? I don't see them implementing any sanctions on North Korea. Maybe if the rocket was going to travel over Shanghai they'd change their tune.

Pointless speculation. The Chinese do not need or want advice on how they deal with their neighbour.:cool:

China is concerned.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17413054

BBC wrote:

China 'concerned' over North Korea rocket launch plan

RiseToTheTop wrote: »

Well South Korea dont highly likey posses an array of Nuclear weapons, nor would they get bombed by North Korea during a war. North Korea is run by rogues, South Korea is run by a government.

Well in my eyes they do need advice on how they deal with this lunatic state, but that won't happen.

South Korea is backed by the most powerful military in the world, who have nuclear weapons, who allow for a "first use" policy.

Not that I am suggesting the US would ever attack N. Korea with nuclear weapons but simply stating that S. Korea (or Japan for that matter) doesn't have them is grossly over-simplifying the matter. They fall under the US's protective umbrella (and have the US military bases to prove it).

As an Irish Chinese who has an interest in politics it's been my observation that the domestic leadership in China sees North Korea as somewhat of a deranged uncle - embarrassing to be around but he's still family. Not from an ideological perspective, China's left real socialism in the past a few decades ago, but rather they wouldn't want the North to collapse and let the US encircle China with bases right on its borders after S. Korea reunifies the North.

So, N. Korea is a buffer - China deals with them, but it'll hold its nose while doing so. That is a view that is reflected amongst many of the young people in China too.

Of course, this is all subject to change if the leadership decides that its best interests would not lie in aiding the North. China doesn't want people sabre-rattling with nuclear weapons, especially if it leads to greater American militarisation of the region or even potentially S. Korean/Japanese moves towards WMDs. With the (second) smallest nuclear arsenal amongst the 5 major powers and a no first strike policy China wants regional stability (that ties in with its national interests).